From the PresIdent’s desk Innovation is Personal By Mike Oswalt
executIve dIrector BY RIC WILTSE
From the
What is innovative? See if you think these are examples of innovation:
• Using mobile devices to hold enough relevant content so that not as many textbooks are needed
• Using an online learning management system to create a blended learning environment that extends learning beyond the classroom
• Using assessment data to inform instructional practice
• Using Google Docs to create a collaborative learning environment for staff and students
• Helping a classroom full of excited students connect using Skype to another class to study soil samples in each of their areas of the world
MACULJOURNAL
So, are any of these examples innovative? The answer is, it depends.
None of these examples are new on the scene of education – but if they are new to you as an educator, then they are innovative! What makes an idea innovative is if it is new to the person putting it into practice. Remember when these things were innovative: taking students to a computer lab; bringing a laptop cart to the classroom; using an interactive white board. The first time you used any of these it was a moment when you were being innovative in your profession. If you still haven’t incorporated these things in your classroom or leadership – then they can still be something innovative for you to use!
The 2012 MACUL Conference theme is Empowering Innovation. Because innovation is personal, this conference is about empowering you! On behalf of the Board of Directors and the leadership of the Special Interest Groups, I encourage you to attend the 2012 MACUL Conference in Grand Rapids and push yourself to take a risk and explore ideas that are, from your point of view, innovative. Where can you find innovation at 2012 MACUL Conference?
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Innovation continued on page 30 Conference 2012
Frequently Asked Questions About The MACUL Conference
FAQ
1. Why is the MACUL conference always in Detroit or Grand Rapids? Why can’t it be held in Lansing, Traverse City, Novi, Mt. Pleasant, Flint, Ann Arbor or other place in Michigan?
The MACUL conference requires a facility that can provide adequate space for exhibits, breakout rooms and featured speaker rooms. Only Cobo Center in Detroit and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids can provide
this in Michigan.
2. Why can’t we always hold the conference in Detroit, or why can’t we always hold the conference in Grand Rapids?
MACUL alternates the location of the conference between Detroit and Grand Rapids so it is convenient to members on both the east and west side of Michigan.
3. I have a recommendation for a keynote or featured speaker. Who should I contact?
MACUL always welcomes suggestions for keynote and featured speakers. Suggestions can be emailed to Kevin Clark, Featured Speakers Chair at
kclark@remc11.k12.mi.us or to the MACUL office at
macul@macul.org.
4. Why does the MACUL conference dates conflict with MAMSE, MSTA, or other conferences? Why does the MACUL conference conflict with the Michigan Merit Exam?
Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts with other conferences are unavoidable. MACUL
FAQ continued on page 30 7
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